A guide for players and families
Your First Scholastic Event With Charleston Scholastic Chess
Charleston Scholastic Chess organizes Palmetto Scholastic Chess League tournaments and other events for young players. Here's what to expect before, during, and after your first tournament.
Before
Before Your First Scholastic Tournament
Step 1: US Chess Membership
A youth US Chess membership is required for K-12 players to participate in rated events. A first-timer registering for a PSCL - Charleston event pays $25, which includes a youth US Chess membership created from the registration information.
Families may also purchase a membership directly from US Chess. Membership allows US Chess to track a player's national rating; ratings can be reviewed through the US Chess Player Search.
Do I need to bring anything?
We provide chess sets and clocks. Bring water, a snack for between rounds, and a good attitude. You do not need to bring chess equipment or know how to record chess notation.
When should I arrive?
There is no requirement to arrive far in advance. When the first round is scheduled to start, pairings are posted and clocks begin. Arriving a few minutes early gives you time to find the playing area and ask a tournament director any questions.
I can't stay for the whole tournament. What should I do?
During registration, request a bye for a round you cannot attend. A bye counts as a half-point toward the standings. Additional missed rounds count as zero points. Byes do not affect your rating because a rating changes only when a game is played.
Is my child too young to participate?
Scholastic events are made for young players. If your child understands the rules and can play quietly, they fit into a tournament setting regardless of strength or prior experience.
During
During Your First Scholastic Tournament
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Pairings Go Up
Find your name, your opponent, and the board number for your game.
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Go to Your Board
Sit across from your opponent and make sure the correct players are at the board.
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Play Your Game
When the announcement is given, shake hands with your opponent and start the clock. After each move, press your side of the clock.
Tournament games use a clock and the touch-move rule. If a player's clock runs out, that player loses unless the position cannot be won. If you intentionally touch one of your pieces, you must move it if a legal move is available. If you intentionally touch an opponent's piece, you must capture it if legally possible.
A win earns one point, a loss earns zero, and a draw gives each player one-half point. Scores also guide later pairings, so players usually meet opponents with similar tournament scores.
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Report Your Result
When the game ends, both players should confirm the result and report it as directed by the tournament staff. A loss does not eliminate you; stay for every round you have not withdrawn from.
Do I have to notate?
Notation is required only at longer time controls. PSCL events use a shorter time control, so notation is not required. Some major scholastic championships may use different rules.
What if my opponent is breaking the rules?
Pause the clock and raise your hand for a tournament director. Do not argue with your opponent or try to resolve a rules dispute on your own.
Are spectators allowed?
Spectator rules depend on the venue and will be announced before play. Spectators must remain quiet, keep a comfortable distance, and never communicate with players during an active game. Players who finish should leave the playing area when directed.
After
After Your First Scholastic Tournament
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Stay for Awards
Wait to see whether you or your school team earned an award.
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Check Your New Rating
After the event is submitted to US Chess, use Player Search to see your new or updated Quick rating.
If I tied with someone else, who gets the trophy?
Players tied for first place in a PSCL section play a blitz playoff. US Chess tiebreak formulas determine all other places, generally by comparing how the tied players' opponents performed.
Still have a question? Contact Russell Bryant at [email protected].